Don't They Know It's Friday? Cross-Cultural Considerations for Business and Life in the Gulf

by Jeremy Williams

Book Rapidly dispatched

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle East, Business, Travel

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

There is more than one author with this name.

Reviews

[Deenah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight to the GCC, very informative in the simplest form. As a UAE national I decided to read this book to have a look on how we are perceived to the west and to better articulate my culture and heritage to visitors.

It's like the author is one of us. Very observant and very understanding, truly understood the beauty of cultural exchange and harmony.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of relevant information for expats living in the Middle-East, interesting book, but globally lacks country per country analysis. Patronising tone in my view, did not enjoy the writing style

[Luis Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good primer on cross-cultural communication and awareness for any non-Arab expatriate doing business in the Gulf. Gave also good insight on some observed behaviours. Wholeheartedly recommended.

[Nigel Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful insight

I found the book very interesting and will try and remember the examples. The comment that the perception of me eating pork really helped to understand it is offensive.


Recommended read for exists in the ME

[Nicholas Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative guide to doing business in the Gulf.

I would strongly recommend that anybody moving to the Gulf from the UK, Europe or US reads this book before making the move. It will help you get up the curve before arrival into what can be a very different working world.

[Lorraine Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 2 years living as an expat in Dubai I'd say this is pretty accurate

[Mike vessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little dated now and out of print. But still essential reading for anyone working in the Middle East or the Levant

[Artus · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't finish it. has some interesting pointers but also a lot of cliche.

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read /Don't They Know It's Friday/, by Jeremy Williams:

http://reviewingbooksandmovies.blogsp...

Useful information!

[Yasho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short snapshot about the culture and business in Arab region.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I ordered a more updated version of this book through a used bookseller, the 1998 edition was the one I received. It was helpful, but the more current edition would have been more relevant. If you are looking for a general overview of culture and business etiquette in the Middle East, this book is highly recommended and a good place to start (try for a version in the current century). It was a quick read and it did solve a few mysteries for me: why you don't see pet dogs in the Middle East, general attitudes toward keeping appointments if something more pressing comes up, and the "whole lunar calendar/public holidays/determined only 1-2 days in advance" situation.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I hadn't won a copy, it wouldn't have occurred to me to pick this up. But once I started reading, I was hooked. Full of interesting and useful facts about doing business in the Gulf and interacting with nationals and expats. it's a quick read and some parts are humorous, though it's not intended to be comic.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is, I suppose, required reading for someone moving to the Middle East. It's got a lot of good bits of info in it, even for the person who is not working in the business sector. Nevertheless, the book is kind of like going to a fantastic buffet and then only being allowed to take one bite of each thing. I really thought that the topics could have been filled out.

[Chloe Glynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Augh. Having lived and worked in the Middle East, it's an adequate introduction for an American who has never visited, but it has all the corporate subtlety of explaining culture in a how-to PowerPoint. It will help you be less of a fuck up, but please have a conversation and ask questions of people who lived in the particular country you will be visiting.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came in our orientation kit when we moved to the Middle East. I didn't read it then, but instead 4 years later while still in the same job. Haha! There were only a couple of things I didn't know/understand by that time. Still, it might have been prudent to read it while still a newbie :)

[Nate Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book with much acclaim for its content. The author provides a handy reference for several different professional situations that are likely to be encountered when dealing with different GCC countries.

[Lisa Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone planning on working or conducting business with Arab states. A helpful insight into arabic culture and business behaviours and how to be culturally aware and sensitive (a key component in successful business partnerships).

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good coverage of Muslim/Arab culture and norms...geared toward businesspeople in the Arabian Gulf.

[Joe W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good coverage of Middle eastern business etiquette, some of the info is a bit dated now that the ME is changing at an ever faster pace, but most of it is still very relevant.

[Cerulean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a really good understanding of business in the Gulf and some of the small idiosyncrasies of living here.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can serve as a valuable reference guide (and reads like one). More experience-oriented stories would have been good support.

[Salma · Rating 3 out of 5]

great guide to the Gulf visitors

[Francis Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book with a mix of examples, explanations and background to introduce readers to the basics of living as an expat in the gulf states